Research and Promoters of African Medicinal Plants
Health Benefits of The Jiaogulan Plant (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) Jiaogulan, scientifically known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and various uses. Jiaogulan is a dioecious, herbaceous climbing vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, gourds, and melons. It’s widely distributed in South and East Asia, New Guinea and Africa. In…
Amazing Health Benefits of Rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis) The Rooibos plant, scientifically known as Aspalathus linearis, is a broom-like member of the Fabaceae family that grows in South Africa’s fynbos biome. The leaves of this plant are used to make a herbal tea called rooibos, which is popular in Southern Africa and has gained international popularity for…
Facts About Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) the Fruit, Leaves and Nuts The cashew plant (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It’s native to South America but is now widely cultivated in various tropical climates, especially in Africa Brazil and India. The cashew tree can grow up to 14 metres (46 feet) tall, with dwarf…
Amazing Health Benefits of the Black Sesame Plant (Sesamum indicum nigrum) Black sesame is the oldest sesame plant variety and belongs to the plant family with the botanical name Pedaliaceae and it shares its genus with the more commonly known sesame (Sesamum indicium). Black Sesame is cultivated in Africa and India, sometimes it grows wildly….
Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora) Facts About This Fruit The Surinam cherry, also known as Eugenia uniflora or pitanga, is a tropical fruit native to Africa and South America. Here are some key points about it: Description: It’s a large shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 meters high. The leaves have a spicy resinous fragrance and…
African Velvet Tamarind (Dialium guineense) The velvet tamarind can be found in West African countries such as Benin where it is called “Assiswè”, Ghana where it is known as Yoyi, Sierra Leone where it is known as “black tombla”, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau where because of its texture is called “Veludo”, Portuguese for velvet, and Nigeria where it is known as awin or igbaru in Yoruba, icheku in Igbo and tsamiyar biri in Hausa. Health Benefits of The African Velvet Tamarind…
Awolowo plant ( Chromolaena odorata) Chromolaena odorata, commonly known as Siam weed or Christmas bush, Awolowo leaf, is a tropical and subtropical flowering shrub in the sunflower family. Native to the West Africa, it has spread to tropical Asia, America, and the Pacific Islands. Although it is considered an invasive species due to its rapid colonization of disturbed…
Locust beans (Parkia biglobosa) Facts About the Roots, Leaves, Seeds and Bark. Health Benefits Locust beans, also known as African locust beans or néré, are the seeds of a leguminous tree called Parkia biglobosa. These flavour-packed legumes are a staple in traditional African, Asian, and South American cuisines. Its pods, commonly referred to as locust beans, start pink and turn dark…
Facts About the Avocado (Persea americana) Plant Health Benefits Avocado (Persea americana) has gained substantial popularity and is often marketed as a “superfood” due to its unique nutritional composition, antioxidant content, and biochemical profile. Let’s explore some of its remarkable health benefits: Healthy for the Heart: Avocado contains beta-sitosterol, a natural plant sterol. In every 100 grams…
Breadfruit Plant (Artocarpus altilis) The breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a remarkable tree belonging to the mulberry family. The plant grows in many parts of the world including Africa. These fruits have a greenish to brownish-green outer skin and a white, somewhat fibrous pulp. Breadfruit contains considerable amounts of starch and is seldom eaten raw. Instead, it…
CANCER BUSH (Sutherlandia frutescens) Health Benefits and How to Use Sutherlandia frutescens, commonly known as Cancer Bush, Kankerbos is a plant renowned for its traditional medicinal uses. Here are some of the herbal benefits associated with Cancer Bush: Immune Support: It’s believed to boost the immune system, particularly in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Anti-inflammatory: The…
Guava (Psidium guajava) The Amazing Health Benefits of Guava Leaves and Fruits Guava is a tropical fruit known for its unique flavour and numerous health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. Guava trees are grown in many tropical and subtropical regions. The fruit is typically round or oval and can have a…
Bengal Currant (Carissa Carandas) Carissa carandas is a species of flowering shrub in the family Apocynaceae. It produces berry-sized fruits that are commonly used as a condiment in Indian pickles and spices. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that thrives well in a wide range of soils Health benefits of Bengal Currant (Carissa Carandas) Carissa carandas,…
Amazing Health Benefits of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Pineapple, also known as Ananas comosus, is a tropical fruit that packs a delightful combination of sweetness and nutrition. Let’s explore its impressive health benefits: Pineapples are an incredibly nutritious fruit that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. With just one cup of pineapple chunks, you can…
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) for Immune Support The coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) belongs to a group of flowering plants in the daisy family. These plants are native to North America, where they thrive in prairies and open wooded areas. The genus Echinacea includes several species, with Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida being commonly used in herbal supplements Immune System Support…
Health Benefits of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a type of maca root with a dark colour and distinctive properties. Maca is a plant that grows in the Andes mountains of Peru and has been used for centuries as a food and a natural remedy. Some of the potential benefits of…
Facts About the Newbouldia Plant Newbouldia plant is a common name for Newbouldia laevis, a species of evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Bignoniaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa, often planted as a boundary marker or a living hedge. It is also known as boundary tree, ogirisi, ewe akoko, or aduruku in different languages. Newbouldia plant has…
Amazing Facts About The Health Benefits of Vitamin C Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for many bodily functions, such as tissue repair, collagen formation, antioxidant activity, and immune system support. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, berries, peppers, and broccoli. Vitamin C can…
Health benefits of Apple (Malus domestica) An apple is a round, edible fruit produced by an apple tree (Malus spp., among them the domestic or orchard apple; Malus domestica). Apple trees are cultivated worldwide and are the most widely grown species in the genus Malus Apple (Malus domestica) fruit is a nutritious and delicious snack with various health benefits. Some of the…
Amazing Health Benefits of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a widely cultivated creeping vine plant in the family Cucurbitaceae that bears cylindrical to spherical fruits, which are used as culinary vegetables. Considered an annual plant, there are three main types of cucumber—slicing, pickling, and seedless—within which several cultivars have been created. Cucumbers are a low-calorie, hydrating and nutritious food that can…
